An adult who knows the girl discovered the conversations, the meeting was averted and police were notified, police said.

Hudak was arrested on April 28 and later charged with arranging to commit a sexual offence against a person younger than 14, luring a person under 14 using telecommunications for the purpose of committing a sexual assault, luring for sexual interference and luring for sexual touching.

Police searched his home the next day and seized computers and other evidence, they said.

Sources said Hudak was arrested in Shilo, Man., where a Canadian Forces base is located. His Facebook page says he is employed by the Canadian military.

“We have to keep in mind that texting and being online is a good thing, but there are a lot of bad things associated with it. This is one of them,” Michalyshyn said Friday.